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Tree in Goddelau cemetery infected with fungi
The town of Riedstadt regrets to announce that the old and large ash tree in the Goddelau cemetery must be felled for reasons of traffic safety. Due to its age and its importance to the townscape, this impressive ash tree has been under professional care for many years. In 2020, following a large branch breakage after a storm – an event that was not apparent from the outside – the tree underwent a thorough inspection, including the expertise of a second, external arborist.
As a result of these investigations, extensive maintenance measures were carried out in 2021, including crown reduction pruning and the installation of crown bracing. Unfortunately, a further intensive assessment of the tree has now revealed that the damage has increased significantly and the tree is no longer safe for public access. The reason for the tree's advanced weakening is the climate change with the dry and hot summers since 2018, which also led to a significant drop in the groundwater level. The – presumably only short-term – improvement in the situation in 2024, with significantly more rainfall and a higher groundwater level, apparently came too late for this tree.
As a result of a general weakening of the tree, it was subsequently attacked by two different fungal infections (shaggy bracket fungus and ash tree fungus) that spread throughout its entire structure. These infections not only continuously impair its vitality but also drastically reduce traffic safety. This is all the more serious because the tree stands in a regularly frequented location near the cemetery wall, above a pedestrian path, and adjacent to a private garden. Due to its overall weakening, the tree's ability to react to the existing fungal infections is now almost nonexistent.
Maintaining or restoring traffic safety would only be possible through severe pruning of the crown. However, such pruning would further weaken the ash tree and create additional entry points for further diseases and fungal infections, thus leading to its complete death sooner rather than later. Furthermore, regular specialist inspections and further maintenance measures would subsequently be necessary, which would not only be costly but would also only provide short-term safety.
Due to the generally poor health of the tree and the two rapidly progressing fungal infections, the city of Riedstadt has therefore decided to remove the tree and replace it with a new planting, which will be located somewhat further away from the wall and the adjacent path.
Within the tree's crown is an extensive hollow branch. Currently, this hollow is not inhabited by any animal. Before the tree is removed, the hollow will be secured and relocated to a suitable site to allow for recolonization and thus at least partially preserve the existing ecological structure.
The felling work is to be carried out by a specialist company with experience in felling large trees under difficult conditions and possessing the necessary specialized equipment. It is to be completed by February 28, 2025 at the latest.
(RIEDSTADT – PSR)
Photo: The ash tree in Goddelau cemetery in December 2024 – the remnant of the branch broken off during the 2020 storm is clearly visible on the right at the base of the crown. Photo: Matthias Harnisch
